---
title: WSL2 Instance Migration (Fedora 43)
domain: linux
category: distro-specific
tags:
  - wsl2
  - fedora
  - windows
  - migration
  - majorrig
status: published
created: '2026-03-06'
updated: '2026-03-08'
---

# WSL2 Instance Migration (Fedora 43)

To move a WSL2 distro from C: to another drive, export it to a tar file with `wsl --export`, unregister the original, then re-import it at the new location with `wsl --import`. After import you'll need to fix the default user — WSL always resets it to root on import, which you patch via `/etc/wsl.conf`.

## The Short Answer

```powershell
wsl --terminate Fedora-43
wsl --export Fedora-43 D:\fedora_backup.tar
wsl --unregister Fedora-43
mkdir D:\WSL\Fedora43
wsl --import Fedora-43 D:\WSL\Fedora43 D:\fedora_backup.tar --version 2
```

Then fix the default user — see Steps below.

## Background

WSL2 stores each distro as a VHDX on whatever drive it was installed to, which is C: by default. If you're running Unsloth fine-tuning runs or doing anything that generates large files in WSL2, C: fills up fast. The migration is straightforward but the import resets your default user to root, which you have to fix manually.

## Steps

1. Shut down the instance cleanly

```powershell
wsl --terminate Fedora-43
```

2. Export to the destination drive

```powershell
wsl --export Fedora-43 D:\fedora_backup.tar
```

3. Remove the C: instance

```powershell
wsl --unregister Fedora-43
```

4. Create the new directory and import

```powershell
mkdir D:\WSL\Fedora43
wsl --import Fedora-43 D:\WSL\Fedora43 D:\fedora_backup.tar --version 2
```

5. Fix the default user and enable systemd — edit `/etc/wsl.conf` inside the distro

```ini
[boot]
systemd=true

[user]
default=majorlinux
```

6. Restart WSL to apply

```powershell
wsl --shutdown
wsl -d Fedora-43
```

## Gotchas & Notes

- **Default user always resets to root on import** — this is expected WSL behavior. The `/etc/wsl.conf` fix is mandatory, not optional.
- **Windows Terminal profiles:** If the GUID changed after re-registration, update the profile. The command line stays the same: `wsl.exe -d Fedora-43`.
- **Verify the VHDX landed correctly:** Check `D:\WSL\Fedora43\ext4.vhdx` exists before deleting the backup tar.
- **Keep the tar until verified:** Don't delete `D:\fedora_backup.tar` until you've confirmed the migrated instance works correctly.
- **systemd=true is required for Fedora 43** — without it, services (including Docker and Ollama in WSL) won't start properly.

## Maintenance Aliases (DNF5)

Fedora 43 ships with DNF5. Add these to `~/.bashrc`:

```bash
alias update='sudo dnf upgrade --refresh'
alias install='sudo dnf install'
alias clean='sudo dnf clean all'
```

## See Also

- Managing disk space on MajorRig
- Unsloth QLoRA fine-tuning setup